FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — A 73-year-old man who disappeared after reportedly falling into floodwaters during Sunday’s severe flooding in Flagstaff has been found deceased, according to the Flagstaff Police Department.
On Sunday, November 1, at approximately 5:47 p.m., Flagstaff Police and Fire personnel were dispatched to the area of South Malpais Lane and West Clay Avenue after receiving reports that a man had fallen into rushing floodwaters and failed to resurface.
Emergency crews immediately began searching the area for the missing man.
Early Monday morning, November 2, at approximately 5:28 a.m., emergency personnel were dispatched to the area of East Ellery Avenue and South W.C. Riles Street following a report of an unresponsive individual.
Upon arrival, first responders discovered the individual was deceased. Investigators subsequently confirmed the man was the same person reported missing in the floodwaters the previous evening.
The victim has been identified as Williams Singavarapu, 73, of New York.
The tragic discovery follows a day of historic flooding across Flagstaff, where emergency responders conducted multiple water rescues as rapidly rising floodwaters inundated streets and neighborhoods throughout the city.
The circumstances surrounding Singavarapu’s death remain under investigation.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could assist investigators is urged to contact the Flagstaff Police Department at 928-774-1414 or Silent Witness at 928-774-6111.
